Here is a picture taken on my wedding day in South Portland, Maine. On a clear day you would see the Portland skyline across the harbor.
I was born and raised in Maine. After college years in Boston then formative years in Brooklyn and Manhattan, I now live in Northern California. Whenever I need a little Back East flavor, I make Fish Chowder, Maine-style, like Mom used to make. Real New England chowder is creamy with a thin milk broth (not the thick sludge you get in the restaurants). A friend of mine recently asked for the recipe, so I wrote it down for the first time. Here it is!
Maine-style Fish Chowder
¼ lb bacon (I usually buy three thick slices from Whole Foods)
1 garlic clove, smashed then minced
1 small white or yellow onion, minced (use a medium onion for more flavor)
2 tablespoons salted butter
6 small to medium white or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and chopped into cubes – I usually cut them into 8 pieces or ¾ inch cubes)
½ teaspoon dried Thyme
3 dried Bay Leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 ½ to 2 lbs boneless Haddock fillets (Cod may also be used)
½ gallon milk (I use 2%; use whole milk for heartier flavor - add a bit of heavy cream if that is your thing)
½ capful Liquid Smoke hickory flavor
½ teaspoon Paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
This is an old-fashioned New England style chowder recipe. It is lighter and thinner than most restaurant versions.
Use large stockpot – I use an 8 qt. tall pot – with cover.
On medium heat, cook bacon in stock pot until crispy, turning as necessary. Remove crispy bacon and place on a plate with a paper towel to absorb grease. Leave bacon drippings in pan; add butter, garlic, and onions and cook on medium until onions are translucent.
Put potatoes in over onions; add about 1 inch water to pot. Add Bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and increase to medium-high; cook/steam for 5 minutes. Rinse fish, pat dry, and remove any bones. Reduce heat to medium and gently turn/stir potatoes. Lay fish on top of potatoes then cover the pot – the steam will cook the fish and finish cooking the potatoes. Check fish ever 2-3 minutes – use tongs or spoon to gently “pick up” the fish. If the fish breaks, it is done cooking. Reduce heat to low and uncover.
Slowly add milk. Do not stir until all milk has been added, and then only stir gently. Add liquid smoke and paprika. Use spoon to stir and break fish into desired size chunks. Leave chowder covered on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. At this point, taste the broth and add salt or pepper as necessary. Remove bay leaves if possible. Cover the chowder again and increase heat to medium. Cook an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Chowder is ready to serve once it is hot.
Variation: corn chowder – add 2 cans of yellow corn, drained. Or use frozen corn. Both are good.
i heart haddock - can't get it on the West Coast (affordably anyhow)
In just two days, the hubby and I are departing for our belated honeymoon in Hawaii! I realized - I haven't really gone shopping, and now it is too late! If I had the time to wait, of course I'd go Etsy all the way. If you're heading to Hawaii in the next few months, here are my recommendations for you: 
The Hilo Hattie’s Vintage Hawaiian Floral Maxi Dress above, from ramonawest, is my top pick not only is it truly stylish, but since this is a honeymoon and "babymoon" for me, the cut and shape would be perfect! It'd really be great for the night of the luau - I could gorge myself on crablegs and virgin mai-tais without worrying about busting any seams! 
And for daytime shopping and photo-ops, I encourage you to consider this vintage yet modern looking Vintage 60's Floral Ruffle Collar Day Dress from sailorpinkvintage:
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